CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY -- The World Peace and Sport Federation today announced that Hooman "Mo" Tavakolian has been nominated for the 2017 “Diplomatic Action of the Year” award for his efforts to bring together the nations of Iran and the United States through the sport of wrestling.

Tavakolian, a former wrestler from New York, has foir several years been actively working to create a meaningful bond between the wrestling federations of Iran and the United States. In 2017 his expertise was vital in ensuring that the 2017 Freestyle World Cup in Iran would include the United States after world events placed the two nations at odds. Tavakolian interceded on behalf of the sport and was as an intermediary between the two federations, ensuring that all necessary visas were acquired and that the United States would also enjoy meaningful cultural interactions while competing in Iran.

“I’m very humbled to be nominated and think that the recognition shows that through sports – especially wrestling -- people are connected in a way that supersedes geopolitical issues,” said Tavakolian. “I also have to thank the Iranian Wrestling Federation for their support and cooperation, as well as USA Wrestling who appointed me Team Leader for that very important World Cup event."

The Peace and Sport Awards will be held December 7th in Monaco as part of the Peace and Sport International Forum Gala.

"Mo Tavakolian continues to be a leader in promoting wrestling as a platform for goodwill around the world. We are very proud of his accomplishment, and congratulate him on this much deserved recognition," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender.

About the “Peace and Sport Awards

Created in 2008, the annual Peace and Sport Awards rewards organizations and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to peace, dialogue and social stability in the world through sport.

Winners have led projects that are symbolic of sport’s capacity to reconcile divided or opposed communities. They are an inspiration to other stakeholders for what sport can achieve on the global stage.